Brain Imaging Techniques and Applications

This assignment delves into the realm of brain imaging techniques, focusing on positron emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and electroencephalography (EEG). It highlights the applications of these techniques in identifying diseases like cancer, evaluating brain functions such as blood circulation and oxygen consumption, and diagnosing neurological disorders. The text also touches upon the use of these techniques in studying empathy, tumor vascularity, and head injuries.

Running Head: Neuroimaging 1
TITLE: CLINICAL IMPORTANCE OF NEUROIMAGING TECHNIQUES
Student’s Name
University Affiliation

CLINICAL IMPORTANCE OF NEUROIMAGING TECHNIQUES
Neurological deaths have become an issue globally; this is due to the increase in the
number of neurological disorders. Researchers have developed neuroimaging techniques to curb
or reduce the number of deaths. Neuroimaging also called brain imaging techniques include the
following magnetic resonance imaging, electroencephalography, magnetoencephalography, near-
infrared spectroscopy and chromatography scan.
MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been used by clinicians to check for the extent of
brain damage caused by trauma. The abrupt increase in brain injuries caused by trauma has been
approved to have affected most people globally with about 100 to 550 per 100,000 people
annually (Vos et al., 2012, p.207-219). In MRI scan the patient head is laid on a machine which
uses strong magnets and radio frequency which is later sent to the computer. It shows if the brain
tissue is damaged or if there is bleeding in the brain or a nerve injury. Sometimes a dye is given
through a vein before the scan is performed to show pictures of the brain more clearly.MRI has
also been used by clinicians to check for brain tumors in the brain. Cancer has become a major
problem affecting individuals globally. The major common signs and symptoms of a tumor
include disorder in the movement of the limb, lack of sensation in some parts of the body, vision
and speech disturbance (Kimura et al., 2013, p.233-238). Contrast agents have been used to
visualize clearly the size, vasculature, and hemorrhage within the tumors since this features
cannot be seen with formal imaging. MRI has also been used to check for cancer in its early
stages, it has been used to check for a mass if the client has been showing signs that my call for a

tumor and the stage of the client's cancer and lastly plan for treatment of the client (Gilles et al.,
2012, p.633-638).
MRI has been used to check for lesions in the brain and spinal cord caused by multiple
sclerosis, which is known to have been caused by demyelination of the nerves of the central
nervous system which is considered to be an autoimmune disorder. White matter in the brain and
spinal cord is known to be affected most. The symptoms of multiple sclerosis include fatigue
which gets worse after exercising; vision problems or sometimes a temporary loss of vision,
partial or total lack of sensation, problems with movements and neuropathic pain.MRI has been
used for examination, identifying the nature or cause of the disease and treatment of multiple
sclerosis (Gallagher et al., 2013, p.439-441). It’s the most used imaging technique for a patient
with multiple sclerosis.MRI has been used to show lesions in the corpus callosum. Clients with
multiple sclerosis manifest with a large number white matter plaques.
MRI has been used in the diagnosis of dementia; this scan is usually done to rule out other
diseases that may have the same signs and symptoms. Dementia is a gradual decrease in mental
ability which affects the intellectual process. The signs and symptoms include memory loss,
difficulty in communication, a decrease in the reasoning and judgment (Breteler et al., 2014,
p.1246-1252). Dementia is due to damage to the brain cells which affects the ability of other
brain cells to transmit information to each other.
FUNCTIONAL MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING
Functional magnetic resonance (fMRI) is a method used in evaluating the brains behavior. It
functions by observing the blood flow in the brain that occurs after a neuronal activity. The brain

consumes more oxygen during its active state hence increased blood flow to the area. fMRI has
been used to show the areas in the brain that are connected during the mental process (Decety et
al., 2013). Its advantages are that it does not involve any radiation and it has the best temporal
resolution. Researchers have used fMRI to try to understand the cognitive process whereby the
past experience is remembered, understand the language, pain and the ability to gain knowledge
or skills.
Physicians use fMRI to observe the anatomy of the brain to find out the parts of the brain
that are dealing with vital functions such as cognition, oral communication, change in position or
location and sensation. It has also been used to assess the effects that are caused by stroke. It has
also been used to observe the development of brain tumors. It has also been used by the surgeons
as a guide during surgical treatments of the brain.
COMPUTER TOMOGRAPHY SCAN
Computed tomography (CT) is done by a specific x-ray that brings forth double images of
the inside body. A CT scanner is a equipment with a hole or tunnel in the middle where the
patient rests in a supine position on a table like structure which later slides into the tunnel. Inside
the tunnels, there are rotating x-ray tubes. CT scans have been used to check for head injuries
that might have been caused by road accidents, check for bleeding in the brain that might have
been caused by trauma and tumors in the brain (Hitoshi et al., 2016). It has also helped the doctor
to determine the nature of the tumor and plan radiation treatment for the brain tumor. Ct scan is
also used to detect hydrocephalus in patients due to the abnormal increase in the ventricles due to
the accumulation of cerebral spinal fluid. It’s also used to check for deformities of the skull such
as the frontal nasal dysplasia and facial clefts. Ct scans are also performed in areas of the brain to

investigate the tissue or bone damage in patients who had a facial injury and there is a surgical
reconstruction of the facial bone. It has also been used to check for hearing problems that might
have been caused by damage or disease of the temporal bone. It has also been used by surgeons
as a guide during needle insertion to get a tissue sample from the brain.
POSITION EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY SCAN
Position emission tomography which is also called PET scan applies energy that is radiated
or transmitted in the form of rays to show the bodies behavior on the cellular level. It is mostly
combined with CT and MRI scan to produce three-dimensional high-quality images of the
human body (Scheel et al., 2012). While MRI scan shows the structure of the organ PET scan
shows the physical appearance of the organ and how it’s functioning inside the body.
Investigations such as epilepsy are usually done PET scan which shows the part of the brain that
has been affected mostly which later allows the doctor to decide on the best treatment. It can also
be used to diagnose Alzheimer this is confirmed by checking the consumption of sugar in
specific areas of the brain. PET scans have also been used to disclose the presence of cancer, its
spread and development in the brain; it also shows the progress of the chemotherapy treatment.
It’s used to check parts in the heart that have been damaged and establish the solution to the
circulation problems.
ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAM TEST
Electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test used to check how the brain produces and transmit
electrical impulses. Cells found in the brain transmit information through electrical
impulses.EEG is used to detect difficulty with brain activities.EEG recording results usually look

like lines in a waveform. Any irregularities in the normal wavy line may be a sign of seizures or
other brain disorders. EEG Measurements are used to confirm conditions such as head injury
caused by accidents, inflammation of the brain tissues, the brain tumor which interferes with the
transmission of brain impulses and insomnia (Sharma et al., 2017, p.90-95). When the patient is
in deep coma EEG may be used to check the level of brain activity or during surgery to monitor
its activity. It has also been used to confirm brain death due to the absence of electrical impulses
in the brain.
NEAR-INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY
Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIR) is used by researchers to check the
oxygenation of the brain tissues especially the prefrontal cortex. This has given an opportunity
for researchers to check for the brain function such as the ability to concentrate, the power of
retaining or recalling recent events and the ability to plan and solve problems. fNIR has been
used to observe the human cognitive function. Studies have shown that it can effectively check
the concentration level and working memory (Lloyd et al., 2014, p.1264-1267).
Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is the most modern technique of evaluating the brain
while it actively functions. It does not involve puncturing the skin or entering the body, it's
painless and preferred for all ages. It shows the normal functioning neurons and locates exactly
the damaged neurons. It has also been used to check the brains activity example epilepsy or to
examine its reaction to the external stimuli example language or vision (Mathiak et al., 2012,
p.125-131). It evaluates neuronal action directly and its electrical activity millisecond by
millisecond. For individual with epilepsy MEG has helped to locate exactly the root of the
epileptic discharges with exception of introduction of electronic electrodes.

POSITION EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY
Positron emission tomography (PET) uses little amount radioactive materials a special
camera and computer to check for organ and tissue function. It’s often used to identify the
disease in its early onset, detection of cancers and check whether it has spread to other brain
tissues and plan chemotherapy treatment (Bergerson et al., 2012, p.136-141). It has also been
used to diagnose neurological disorders and evaluate circulation of blood, oxygen consumption
and glucose metabolism in the brain.

REFERENCE
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involving pain incarcerated individuals with psychopathy.
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